...Or don't!You are really NOT supposed to use sheer strength when climbing. Rather, calculating your moves like a chess player, preconceiving the climb, and using mental prowess and emotional gungho to overcome challenges instead of brute strength. But sometimes you must "power through" a move, especially on some of the overhangs I've tried... and overcome. But damn, my shoulder hurts today, and well, almost every part of my body hurts, even my big toes are sore! (That said, strength is necessary in climbing.)

The route you see in the photo is the "easy", "warm up" route. One to the left has a sharper overhang that is so hard for me to climb past! The grips are laid out in such a way that I have to jump from a very awkward and unstable position, and catch myself with my left hand (this is called a dynamicmove. Static moves require keeping three points of contact on the wall at all times--hands and/or feet. I prefer static climbing: it's safer and causes less injury). I'm determined to figure this problem out! That is part of the reward of climbing, not only using my body and overcoming physical weakness, but using my mind to over come "problems" on the wall. And I'm also successfully overcoming the emotional aspect of my fear of heights! I'm sore as hell, but it's so worth it and I love it! I'm so glad to be back on the wall after a month off! I'm going to use The Force of my mind and will. "I'm your father!" aaagh! Who needs a light sabre? My spinach smoothies will help me defeat The Dark Side of that damn overhang!!! :-))